SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University men's hockey team defeated UW-Eau Claire 3-1 at TRIA Rink Saturday night.

The Pipers improve to 6-11-0, while the Blugolds fall to 6-10-1. 

Hamline 3, UW-Eau Claire 1

The first period ended scoreless, with both teams demonstrating strong defense and goaltending. Early in the frame, Hamline's Brandon McNamara and Nikolai Dulak both took shots that were either saved or went wide. The Blugolds' Trevor Wong was particularly active, making several saves against attempts from Jordan Randall and Colin Stein. A key moment occurred at 17:58 when Dayne Hoyord of the Blugolds received a two-minute penalty for hitting from behind, giving Hamline a power play opportunity that they were unable to capitalize on. Both teams had numerous faceoff wins, but neither could convert these into goals.

The second period started with the Blugolds taking control, as Eli Reimer scored a power-play goal assisted by Carter Bradley and Colin Stein at 1:50, putting them ahead 1-0. The Pipers responded with a series of offensive plays and tied the game at 7:39 with a goal by Tommy Carls, assisted by Ryan Brandt. Shortly after, Nikolai Dulak netted the game-winning goal at 8:56, assisted by Brandon McNamara, giving Hamline a 2-1 lead. Despite the Blugolds' efforts, including a power play due to a tripping penalty on Erik Larsen, The Pipers maintained their defense and concluded the period ahead.

The third period started with Hamline winning the initial faceoff. The Blugolds had several opportunities early on, with Charlie Erickson and Max Ruoho taking shots that were saved by Pipers goaltender Trevor Wong. AJ Carls received a penalty for high sticking at 5:56, resulting in a power play for the Blugolds, but they were unable to capitalize. In the final minute, with the Blugolds' goalie pulled for an extra attacker,  AJ Carls scored an empty-net goal with one second remaining, assisted by Calvin Knight, to seal a 3-1 victory for Hamline.

Nikolai Dulak stood out for the Pipers, having scored one goal. Tommy Carls also made an impact by scoring one goal and posting a plus-minus of +2. AJ Carls matched this performance with a goal and a similar plus-minus of +2. Trevor Wong, in the net, recorded 26 saves while allowing only one goal, showcasing solid performance as a goaltender.

Eli Reimer stood out with one goal, and achieved a faceoff win percentage of 70. Ethan Roberts, the team's goaltender, recorded 17 saves and allowed two goals. Colin Stein contributed with one assist while taking five shots, and Carter Bradley also provided an assist for the team.

The Blugolds out shot the Pipers 27-20.

Hamline will host Augsburg at TRIA Rink on Friday, January 24 at 7 p.m.